Chicago Cubs: Filling huge holes at a small prices

Chicago Cubs: Putting together the pieces of the puzzle

Aside from the rotation, the Cubs needed bullpen depth after being overworked in the first half. That workload, paired with the injury to Brandon Morrow made it a big-time need. Then, came the deal to acquire veteran right-hander Jesse Chavez for a minor leaguer.

In 19 appearances out of the bullpen, he has pitched to a 1.05 ERA in 25 2/3 innings. He has also should the ability to throw multiple frames to save the bullpen in several games since coming over from Texas.

Granted, he isn’t a “big-name” arm, so he wasn’t going to cost much anyway, but still, a major leaguer for a low-level minor league prospect is still somewhat surprising. The best part? Epstein wasn’t done.

With Kris Bryant on the disabled list and the bats struggling, the Cubs made the move for second baseman Daniel Murphy from the Nationals in exchange for a minor league infielder plus a player to be named later or cash.

All Murphy has done in his time as a Cubs is satisfy the leadoff spot in the batting order, and put up an .819 OPS with with three home runs and eight runs scored. The veteran has provided the injection of energy the Cubs’ offense so desperately needed.